If the eyes are windows to the soul, then windows must be the eyes of your home. Now that you’ve given your home new “vision” with the purchase of replacement windows, you no doubt want to keep them clean and clear. Here are a few tips on how to care for, clean, and maintain your replacement windows.

Cleaning The Window Frame

Smudge stains and dirt are fairly easy (and inexpensive!) to remove from inner window frames. Try using a non-abrasive, mild soap and water on any affected areas.

A word of caution about cleaning products: many commercially available abrasive or acidic cleaners can actually result in permanent damage to wood finishes. If you absolutely must resort to a cleaning agent for those tougher stains, then try testing it on a small, unnoticed area; if it dries without stripping the paint or discoloration, you’ve got a winner.

Cleaning Replacement Window Glass

Whether your new windows are clear, tinted, coated, filled, or insulated, regular cleaning will ensure that they maintain their clarity and performance.

• A little bit of dish soap and some warm water are effective and affordable for cleaning replacement windows. Rinse well with clean water afterwards. On the inside, most ammonia-based or regular glass cleaners are appropriate.• When drying your new windows, avoid paper towels. You’ll get far better results by using a lint-free option, such as a microfiber towel, a squeegee, coffee filters, or even crumpled newsprint.• Caution: glass surfaces, coatings, and insulation can be damaged by caustic chemicals, knifes and blade edges, abrasive pads, and pressure washers. Avoid these if at all possible.

Cleaning Window Screens

The type of screens you’ve installed will determine how to clean them; whether they’re completely removed or flipped open for easy access. In either case, use mild soap, water, and a soft brush. This can be anything from toothbrush to the brush accessory on your vacuum, as long as it’s soft. Rinse, dry, and repeat around your home.

Of course, these tips are in addition to, not instead of, the manufacturers instructions that will come with your windows.

Thewindows in your homeprovide your view of the world, and from the curb, they’re the eyes that gaze out appealingly. With regular care and maintenance, they will remain so for many years to come.